He led them across the gloomy village, people watching from a safe distance. How often was it that a Powerful witch entered their sanctuary?
“You know, Panther, this might not have been such a good idea.”
“Life is full of bad decisions, but right now I’m more concerned with my empty stomach than a friendly reception from your people.”
Nine Killer noticed his sister peering out beneath the door flap and belatedly realized that, after all, it was her house. She wouldn’t refuse me entry, would she?
To forestall a scene, he called out, “Rosebud, Nine Killer brings guests with him!”
“A word with you, brother?” Rosebud called out hesitantly. For once, her eyes had lost that vexing look, replaced by an uncertain sheen. She set her strong jaw, fists on her hips.
“If you would excuse me.” Nine Killer smiled to lessen the strain. “My sister is probably concerned that she hasn’t prepared a feast worthy of a guest.” There. If she flat refused him entry, he could simply say that nothing was cooked, take a pot full of something cold, and feed Panther and Sun Conch outside the palisade.
He ducked into the warm interior, and found himself face-to-face with Rosebud. She wore a mantle over her left shoulder, her right breast bare. The soft hide was belted at her waist, and hung in gentle folds. Her generally spare movements were nervous for once, and her hands twisted at the hem of her mantJe.
Two fires shed their light over the interior. At the rear fire, White Otter, Slender Bark, and the rest of the children watched wide-eyed. Nine Killer could smell the enticing odors of squash, tuckahoe, and steaming wild rice cakes.
“Greetings, sister. I can’t tell you—”
“Is that the witch?”
“Sister, between you and me, no. He’s not a witch He’s an elder, that’s all.”
“Who are his people? What is his clan?”
“Well, I…”
Her dark eyes seemed to widen, and she threw up her hands. “What is it, brother? What happened out there? Stories are flying around like sparrows!”
“And I’ll tell you the whole story, just as it happened. But for now, I need you to welcome him to your house. Will you do this thing for me?” “My children live here! Do I need to remind you that—” “Please, sister? Trust me … just this once?”
She stood like wood for a moment, face grim. Then her resolve melted into stubborn reluctance. “I’ll feed him. But just this one time.”
He grinned, then took her hands and kissed them. “Thank you, sister.”
Rosebud shook off his hands, gave him a reproving look, and said, “If I ever collect all that you owe me …”
But Nine Killer was ducking outside, returning to Panther and Sun Conch. “My sister is looking forward to meeting both of you.”
Panther chuckled. “You know, I’ve visited people where the men own the house and the food. At first, I thought it a little peculiar. Over the years, however, I’ve come to believe there might be something to it.”
Nine. Killer paused, considering. “I, too, have heard of such peoples. Met some among the Traders who pass through. But, tell me, if the men own everything, and clans and families are traced through the men, how can a man be sure that any given child is his? A man would have to guard his woman most jealously, wouldn’t he?”
“Believe me, they do,” Panther answered, and walked toward the entrance.
If Nine Killer had any qualms, they passed quickly.
The Panther, it seemed, could charm the fur off of a beaver. He shed his aura of Power like the old blanket he carried and beamed at Rosebud as if she were one of his oldest and dearest friends. His warm smile, gracious manner, and cheery disposition reminded the War Chief of everyone’s favorite uncle.
Panther scooped a mixture of boiled squash, sunflower seed, and walnut from a bowl as Rosebud said, “I didn’t hear your clan, Elder.”
He gave her his sunny smile. “Oh, I doubt you’ve ever heard of them. The High Steppers, from down south of here.”
“The High Steppers, Elder? I’ve heard of many clans, but—”
From outside, a voice called, “Welcome home, War Chief. A visitor comes to see you.”
Nine Killer tensed, glanced at his sister, and responded, “You are welcome here, Great Tayac.” A lie if ever he’d said one.
Copper Thunder ducked through the doorway, followed by two of his warriors. The man wore his spider gorget over his chestful of copper necklaces; they tinkled musically as he walked. A lustrous bear robe hung about his shoulders. His forked eye tattoos seemed to catch the wavering firelight. The two warriors stopped at the doorway, both standing rigidly, arms crossed. Copper Thunder gave Nine Killer a shallow smile as he approached—and then his eyes met The Panther’s.